Lubbock Data Center Opponents Say Petition Has Reached Signature Goal
LUBBOCK, Texas — A citizens group seeking a temporary halt to new data center projects in Lubbock says it has collected enough petition signatures to advance its proposal, although the signatures must still be verified by city officials. Citizens of Lubbock Against Data Centers announced Monday that more than 2,400 people had signed its petition. Organizers previously identified 2,410 valid…
Lubbock Police Search for Missing and Endangered 14-Year-Old Girl
LUBBOCK, Texas — The Lubbock Police Department is asking for the public’s help finding a 14-year-old girl who has been classified as missing and endangered. According to an alert issued by Lubbock police, Jzae Madrid was last seen at approximately 6 a.m. Monday, July 27, in the 8600 block of 10th Place in west Lubbock. Police provided the following description:…
Two Men Face $2.7 Million Bonds Each in Lubbock-Area Card-Skimming Case
LUBBOCK, Texas — Two men accused of installing card-skimming devices at stores across West Texas face bonds totaling at least…
Suspect Arrested After Fatal Assault at Central Lubbock Motel
LUBBOCK, Texas — A man has been arrested on a murder charge following the death of a 60-year-old who was…
Sorsby’s court victory over NCAA proved temporary; quarterback will sit out 2026 after leaving Texas Tech
A judge initially cleared Brendan Sorsby to play under strict conditions, but the quarterback later dismissed his lawsuit and was…
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Faith and business shaped ‘Fat Matt’ Smith’s bid for Congress in West Texas
Matthew “Fat Matt” Smith entered the 2026 race for Texas’ 19th Congressional District with a campaign grounded in Christian faith, small-business experience and concern about federal spending. Smith, an Abilene roofing contractor with business connections in Lubbock, was one of seven Republicans seeking to replace Rep. Jodey Arrington. Arrington, chairman…
Texas Supreme Court leaves Corley in office for now as Precinct 2 dispute continues
The legal battle over who lawfully holds the Lubbock County Precinct 2 commissioner’s seat remains unresolved, although Texas’ highest civil court has declined to remove Commissioner Jason Corley while the case proceeds. The dispute began after County Judge Curtis Parrish concluded that Corley had automatically resigned under the Texas Constitution…
Trey Newton put government budgeting experience at center of Precinct 2 campaign
The longtime political consultant and former state official argued that Lubbock County needed more disciplined spending, stronger oversight and a commissioner prepared to examine large budgets. M. “Trey” Newton spent much of his career helping other officials develop policy and navigate government. He did not expect to become a candidate…
Kevin Pounds made first responders, roads and county facilities central to winning Precinct 2 campaign
The retired Lubbock firefighter said his experience managing emergencies and working with public boards prepared him to address southeast Lubbock County’s infrastructure and budget challenges. Kevin Pounds entered the 2026 race for Lubbock County commissioner in Precinct 2 arguing that several basic government responsibilities had been neglected: supporting rural fire…
Justin Martin campaigned on budget cuts and calmer government in Precinct 2 bid
The Slaton businessman and former school trustee argued that Lubbock County needed tighter spending controls, better infrastructure planning and fewer public conflicts among its leaders. Justin Martin entered the 2026 race for Lubbock County commissioner in Precinct 2 with a deliberately unexciting goal: make county government “boring” again. For Martin,…
Chad Seay sought return to Precinct 4 seat with focus on public safety
The former Lubbock County commissioner argued that law enforcement and fire protection required reliable funding, even as county leaders worked to control taxes. Chad Seay entered the 2026 Republican race for Lubbock County commissioner hoping to reclaim the Precinct 4 seat he once held, presenting himself as an experienced fiscal…
C.J. Peterson’s Precinct 4 Campaign Marked a Bid to Return to Public Service
The former Lubbock County constable built his campaign around public safety, infrastructure and a candid account of the personal and health struggles that led him to leave office in 2018. When C.J. Peterson entered the 2026 race for Lubbock County commissioner in Precinct 4, he presented his candidacy as more…
Texas Primary 2026 Guide: 15 Candidate Profiles and 30 Q&As for Lubbock-Area Races
Ahead of the March 3, 2026, Texas primary, Lubbock-area voters faced decisions in races affecting Congress, county government, local courts and both major political parties. To help residents compare the candidates, Lubbock Lights assembled 15 individual profiles and responses from 30 candidates across 12 contested races. The profiles concentrated on…
Ferrum Founders Allen and Cox Remain Set for August Trial; Willy Pleads Guilty
An April trial was postponed until August 10, but the judge later rejected another delay sought by Joshua Allen. Brooklynn Chandler Willy’s plea negotiations ended with guilty pleas to 10 federal charges. The federal criminal case against Ferrum Capital co-founders Joshua Allen and Michael Cox remains scheduled for trial on…
Curtis Parrish Cited Court Reforms and Major Projects in Campaign for Third Term
The Lubbock County judge emphasized his legal experience, infrastructure investments and public-safety priorities while acknowledging unfinished work and divisions on Commissioners Court. Curtis Parrish based his 2026 reelection campaign on a straightforward argument: Lubbock County had made significant progress during his first two terms, but continued population growth would require…